On July 21, 2017, the Public Utility Commission announced its denial of permission to build a 144 kW solar project in Charlotte. The order shows the PUC agreed with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, the Vermont Department of Public Service, and the Town of Charlotte in ruling that the proposed solar project, if built, "would materially interfere with the public's use and enjoyment of the Park," given that "sightseeing the western viewshed from the summit is a principal reason why people visit the Park." Commissioners noted that "we are keenly aware of the unique nature and special status of Mount Philo. ... It is the oldest park in the state park system; it is one of the four most visited state parks in Vermont; it is widely renowned for its views west from the summit of the pastoral landscape and of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountain; it is the only state park with a summit easily accessible to all Vermonters, regardless of age or physical abilities."